Diego Aracena Airport

SCDA / IQQ

Iquique, CL

Last Updated
Mar 4, 08:00Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Aging 1 hour ago
08:00Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
22°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 15°C
4 kt
120°
--
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
--
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR SCDA 040800Z 12004KT CAVOK 22/15 Q1009

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF SCDA 040414Z 0406/0506 20004KT CAVOK TN18/0410Z TX26/0418Z BECMG 0416/0418 21014KT BECMG 0501/0503 21004KT
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
09:04Z BASE
+0h
VFR 200° 4 kt
Visibility: >10km
16:00Z BECMG
+7h
VFR 210° 14 kt

24-Hour Weather Evolution

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Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
Chart Features
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
CDA
01
19 ✈️

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 01/19
Active: 19
10,991 ft 148 ft ASP
1.4 kt 3.8 kt
70° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - SCDA

3,305 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
80.9%
MVFR
19%
IFR
0%
LIFR
0.1%

Diego Aracena Airport enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 80.9% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the SW averaging 9 knots. Temperatures typically range between 14°C and 30°C with an average of 19.8°C. The best months for VFR flying are January, February, March.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: SW (225°)
Average Speed: 9 kt
Maximum Recorded: 27 kt
Calm Winds: 2.8%
Direction Distribution:
E
4.1%
N
2.9%
S
19.9%
W
13.3%
NE
1.1%
NW
3.7%
SE
6.4%
SW
45.9%

Temperature Range

Average: 19.8°C
Range: 14°C to 30°C
14°C 30°C

Visibility

Average: 10 SM
Below 3 SM: 0%
Fog Frequency: 0%

Best Months for VFR

January February March

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 01/19
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.6 kt

Statistics computed from 3,305 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Diego Aracena Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: SCDA
IATA Code: IQQ
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 155 ft MSL

Location

City: Iquique
Country: CL
Latitude: -20.535200°
Longitude: -70.181297°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+5

Runway Information

Runway 01/19
Length: 10,991 ft
Width: 148 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Diego Aracena Airport

Overview

Diego Aracena Airport serves Iquique, Chile, located at coordinates -20.535200, -70.181297 with an elevation of 155 ft MSL. As a medium-sized airport, it handles regional and domestic aviation operations in northern Chile's coastal region. The airport features a substantial 10,991 ft asphalt runway oriented 01/19.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions are predominantly favorable for visual flight, with 77.9% of observations reporting VFR conditions. Winds predominantly blow from the southwest (225°) at an average of 8.8 knots, with maximum gusts reaching 27 knots. Temperature variations are moderate, averaging 19.2°C with a range between 14°C and 27°C, creating stable flying environments.

Notable Features

The airport's coastal location in the Atacama Desert region presents unique geographic characteristics with minimal precipitation and consistent atmospheric conditions. Runway 01/19 demonstrates highly favorable wind alignment, with 100% wind compatibility and an average crosswind component of only 4.8 knots. The terrain surrounding the airport is characteristic of Chile's northern coastal landscape.

Approach Considerations

Pilots can expect excellent visibility averaging 10 statute miles, with minimal instances of reduced visibility. The best visual flying months are November, December, and January. Runway 01/19's extensive length and wind characteristics provide flexible approach options with minimal wind-related constraints.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.